We all have a song that describes our life similar to one of those 20 minute long symphony pieces where it flows in and out of different tempos transitioning from pianissimo to forte within short and long periods of time. These kind of pieces draw us and and our heart moves with it. They describe a story and paint a picture with each beautiful note. The question is, what kind of music is describing my life? How is my rhythm affecting those listening?
Yes, I believe that music really affects us and those around us. Why is that? I am the kind of person who likes to listen to music that matches my mood. Sunday: spiritual MoTab, EFY, Paul Cardel, etc. Relationship drama: Kelly Clarkson, Hoobastank, Jason Mraz, We the Kings, Jordan Sparks, Good Charlotte, Taylor Swift, etc. Chillin with my friends: Spice Girls (haha), Linkin Park, Cold Play, ABBA, Rascal Flats, Enchanted, etc. Hip hop time: Flo Rider, Rihanna, Jason Derulo, etc. What does listening to music that relays my current emotion do? All it does is emphasize that emotion and make it more prominent. In some cases, that could be healthy. In other's not so much. For example, hip hop is great. I love dancing and expressing myself. But if I am not careful, some of those lyrics can be inappropriate according to my beliefs and will influence me in a negative way. Another example... a breakup or someone does something annoying. If you listen to music that relates to those, all it will do is make you more upset about the situation and the music influences you once more. Music really does affect our emotions and desires; it affects our attitudes and behaviors.
There were several occasions over the past month where this realization of music affecting who we are stood out to me. One was when I just sat with your friend my friend (we will call her Kay). She is someone who I have always looked up to, and in that moment, I noticed the kind of person I want to be when I am around her. It hit me mainly when we were sitting around the kitchen table after discussing our upcoming camping trip and listening to music trying to get ideas of what to listen to during the many hours of driving. The only kind of music I wanted to listen to around Kay was wholesome and uplifting... not the kind of music that we hear on the radio every day. It hit me once more when I visited my friend (we will call him Joe) at his new apt at college. He was doing an apt check while I chilled on the couch. The music playing from Joe's room was very calming and gave my mind room to think feel at ease. This friend is also someone who I would not want to listen to certain music around. Then once more I felt the influence of music last week. I had just started school and was confused over many things had happened over the previous week with boys and roommates and whether or not I made the right decision in not returning to USU. I could have dwelled on these matters, but instead, I turned on my Sunday track and opened up my scriptures. I felt peace that Heavenly Father is looking out for me. I think about the blessings he has given me lately and could not be more grateful for them. He has given me uplifting friends, a nice apt, random people on campus to help me out whether it is rides to FHE and school, a new friend or two on the bus, or free lunch for a day. He is taking care of me.
Anyway, music has a large influence in our lives every day. I hope we can clear out the kind that pulls us into negative emotions and only listen to uplifting music that brings smiles to our faces. For example, the song Firework by Katy Perry makes me feel like I can do anything... I love it! I love life. And I love the gospel not only for the truths it teaches, but for the kind of person it is making me into. It is creating the next movement of my symphony into a beautiful melodic chapter of my life. I only pray to transform it into a masterpiece that will influence those around me for the better.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Saturday, August 11, 2012
New Leaf. :)
I have been home from my mission for 5 months now and what have I done with my time? As far as any blog reader might see, it appears that I complain about boys or singles wards or whatever is bothering me at the time. I am done complaining. No one likes a complainer... I know I don't. People who are down on themselves are not fun to be around. (of coarse we all need a listening ear once in a while, but who am I kidding to think an online public blog is the best place for that?)
Anyway, I am turning over a new leaf. I am going to do what every other LDS blogger does in the state of Utah and share my uplifting insights with the world. Which could be something I read in the scriptures for the day, a miracle that happened, or even an tale to tell of an adventure I went on.
To begin, I have a story: During my 2nd transfer on my mission, all the sister missionaries were given a miracle calendar. I didn't think anything of it at first. Each day we would write down a miracle or 2 for the day. It wasn't until I was going through a rough time that I pulled out my old calendars and realized just how much Heavenly Father blesses me each and every day and I really have no reason to be sad. Those memories carried me through the next year.
Since I have been home, I have seen 1000s of miracles. Where to begin?
1. My JobWhen I found my job, I applied at midnight, followed by the interview on day 2, and started working Monday where I found out only 10% of applicants are accepted. Miracle, eller hur?
2. Finding my car. It was listed on KSL for 4500 when my budget was 3500, but we felt like checking it out anyway. It was well taken care of, low mileage, v6 engine, power seats, cruise control, auto start, good radio system, Toyota Camry, etc. I was willing to pay 4100, but the guy selling it said that we were such honest people that he gave it to me for 3700... much lower than blue book value. MIRACLE!
3. Family My relationship with my dad is amazing. After my mission, I find that I now can sit and talk to my dad in the kitchen for hours on end. He even gave me a real birthday present this year instead of relying on my mom to choose one... I felt very touched by that. Long lasting miracle.
4. Families are forever. Every single member of my immediate family are all still active members of the church. I have seen many families split apart when Satan gets in the way. When I think about how we are all striving for that eternal goal, it brings me great joy.
5. True friends. They are few and far between, but they are there. People accept you for you and sincerely care about you should be held close and cherished. I had the opportunity to live with my married best friend for a month while her husband was on a work trip. And next week I am headed to Zions with 3 people who mean the world to me. Friendship does last forever.
6. Life's Lessons. Lessons learned turn into miracles because we would have never learned from them if we hadn't gone through that hard time. I have learned this summer what I am looking for in a future husband from the many 1st dates I have been on. I have learned that I like to feel needed at work and in life and if I am not progressing, I feel restless. I have learned that when all is said and done, the gospel really is the foundation of our lives that keeps us steady through the storms in life. Lessons given to us from life are miralces!
7. Time. Today I went on a long walk with my mom where we talked about memories in time, boys, family, ourselves, goals, etc. That time is precious to me. I work 50 hrs/week and barely have time for myself, so it was a gift to be with my mom.
I could list off so many others. Miracles happen every day of our lives. This blog today was inspired by a few things. First, I started to read the Book of Mormon again and I read the first verse. When I read "born of goodly parents," my mind started to wander to my mom. She is someone I admire and would love to become. She always puts her kids before herself. How can I become someone like her? The second inspiration came from a friend who a few weeks ago read my previous blog and called me and mentioned how worried he was. I do not want people to see me in that light. Thirdly, this same said person spreads their own light to others and I want to do the same. I want to become the best me I can. I believe that having a blog focused on inspiration will help me grow and reflect on things that matter most. Everything we choose to do in life begins with our actions. It is never too late to choose to grow from good to better. My time is now.
Anyway, I am turning over a new leaf. I am going to do what every other LDS blogger does in the state of Utah and share my uplifting insights with the world. Which could be something I read in the scriptures for the day, a miracle that happened, or even an tale to tell of an adventure I went on.
To begin, I have a story: During my 2nd transfer on my mission, all the sister missionaries were given a miracle calendar. I didn't think anything of it at first. Each day we would write down a miracle or 2 for the day. It wasn't until I was going through a rough time that I pulled out my old calendars and realized just how much Heavenly Father blesses me each and every day and I really have no reason to be sad. Those memories carried me through the next year.
Since I have been home, I have seen 1000s of miracles. Where to begin?
1. My JobWhen I found my job, I applied at midnight, followed by the interview on day 2, and started working Monday where I found out only 10% of applicants are accepted. Miracle, eller hur?
2. Finding my car. It was listed on KSL for 4500 when my budget was 3500, but we felt like checking it out anyway. It was well taken care of, low mileage, v6 engine, power seats, cruise control, auto start, good radio system, Toyota Camry, etc. I was willing to pay 4100, but the guy selling it said that we were such honest people that he gave it to me for 3700... much lower than blue book value. MIRACLE!
3. Family My relationship with my dad is amazing. After my mission, I find that I now can sit and talk to my dad in the kitchen for hours on end. He even gave me a real birthday present this year instead of relying on my mom to choose one... I felt very touched by that. Long lasting miracle.
4. Families are forever. Every single member of my immediate family are all still active members of the church. I have seen many families split apart when Satan gets in the way. When I think about how we are all striving for that eternal goal, it brings me great joy.
5. True friends. They are few and far between, but they are there. People accept you for you and sincerely care about you should be held close and cherished. I had the opportunity to live with my married best friend for a month while her husband was on a work trip. And next week I am headed to Zions with 3 people who mean the world to me. Friendship does last forever.
6. Life's Lessons. Lessons learned turn into miracles because we would have never learned from them if we hadn't gone through that hard time. I have learned this summer what I am looking for in a future husband from the many 1st dates I have been on. I have learned that I like to feel needed at work and in life and if I am not progressing, I feel restless. I have learned that when all is said and done, the gospel really is the foundation of our lives that keeps us steady through the storms in life. Lessons given to us from life are miralces!
7. Time. Today I went on a long walk with my mom where we talked about memories in time, boys, family, ourselves, goals, etc. That time is precious to me. I work 50 hrs/week and barely have time for myself, so it was a gift to be with my mom.
I could list off so many others. Miracles happen every day of our lives. This blog today was inspired by a few things. First, I started to read the Book of Mormon again and I read the first verse. When I read "born of goodly parents," my mind started to wander to my mom. She is someone I admire and would love to become. She always puts her kids before herself. How can I become someone like her? The second inspiration came from a friend who a few weeks ago read my previous blog and called me and mentioned how worried he was. I do not want people to see me in that light. Thirdly, this same said person spreads their own light to others and I want to do the same. I want to become the best me I can. I believe that having a blog focused on inspiration will help me grow and reflect on things that matter most. Everything we choose to do in life begins with our actions. It is never too late to choose to grow from good to better. My time is now.
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